Time to change volunteer roles

Do you want to help to make a real difference to the lives of women and girls?

We are looking to appoint a Trustee, who can support our communications and fundraising ambitions and act as the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee

Role Type: Voluntary

Location: London

Renumeration: While the role of a Trustee is not remunerated, reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment:

• Five Board meetings per year (in person in Hammersmith west London), plus membership of at least one board sub-committee (four meetings a year online)

• Ad hoc availability as matters arise (by telephone)

• Participate in one strategy away day each year (on a Saturday, usually held in January)

• Commit to the Board of Trustees for at least three years

• Note - the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee will be expected to chair a committee meeting four times a year (online) in addition to the Board meetings

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, satisfactory DBS check and relevant legal and regulatory compliance checks.

Advance is committed to equality and diversity and aims to have a board of trustees that reflects the communities we work with. We strongly encourage applications from women including those with disabilities, from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds and those from LGBTQ+ communities.

About us

Our vision is a world where women and girls lead safe, just and equal lives. Advance is a women’s organisation delivering systems change, and trauma and gender-informed community-based support for women and girls affected by domestic abuse, including those in contact with the criminal justice system. We work nationally through our innovative, best-practice approach and systems change initiatives. We deliver wraparound frontline services across the South and East of England, including Greater London.

Our expertise lies in decades of providing specialist support by women and for women and girls, to achieve safety, justice and equality at the intersection of domestic abuse and the criminal justice system.

Our whole-system approach is aligned with our values of collaboration and innovation, partnering with other statutory and non-statutory providers, to deliver a coordinated community and gendered response, improving access to services across the whole system, enabling consistency and continuity of support throughout a woman’s journey.

Through our advocacy and awareness-raising work, we focus on systemic change and sustainable impact to meet women’s needs and improve their outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to join our experienced, committed and fully inclusive Board.

You will join a dedicated and skilled board comprised of women and men to support the charity through a significant period of growth. Our staff team now includes over 170 skilled and passionate women across our programmes and our 10 women's centres in London and the South and East of England.

About the role

We are looking to appoint a Trustee to act as the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee. This is a vital role for an experienced and strategic thinker who can guide Advance’s efforts to grow income, diversify funding streams, and enhance our visibility and voice. As Trustee, you will work closely with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team to provide leadership, to challenge, and support in developing sustainable income strategies and impactful communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair and help shape the agenda for the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee

• Provide strategic oversight and governance for fundraising (grants and trusts, corporates, individuals), income diversification, and partnership development with brands and events

• Support the delivery and monitoring of income generation plans and KPIs

• Work with the internal team and guide our brand strategy, messaging, and stakeholder communications

• Advise on business development opportunities

• Ensure that fundraising and marketing activities reflect and align our mission and values

Experience required

• Senior experience in fundraising, business development, communications, marketing, or income strategy, ideally in the charity, public, or commercial sectors

• Confident chairing meetings, building consensus, and offering challenge in a constructive way

• Ability to think strategically and spot opportunities for innovation and growth

• An understanding of governance, impact, and how to balance ambition with sustainability

• Successful experience of operating within a board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation

Knowledge, skills and understanding required

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board, and a willingness to speak their mind

• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive

Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 22nd March 2026

Interviews: On a rolling basis

First-round interview, via Microsoft Teams.

Second-round interview will be in person at Advance Hammersmith

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

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Reasonable Adjustments

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have additional needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference?
Join us as a Trustee and help shape the future of the British Dyslexia Association.

Our Trustees play a vital role in ensuring we stay true to our mission, deliver on our charitable objectives, and continue supporting everyone affected by dyslexia. As part of the Board, you’ll guide our strategy, support and challenge our Senior Management Team, and help the organisation grow and thrive.

This is an exciting opportunity to bring your skills, insight and energy to a cause that matters.

What you’ll do

As a Trustee, you will:

• Act in the best interests of the charity and uphold the highest standards of governance.
• Help set and oversee strategy, policy, financial plans and key risks.
• Support, advise and constructively challenge the CEO and Senior Management Team.
• Ensure our work aligns with our purpose, vision and values.
• Contribute your expertise, ideas and networks to strengthen our impact.
• Prepare for and attend Board and committee meetings, and take part in key governance activities.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applications from individuals with enthusiasm, integrity and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

We are especially interested in people with experience in:

• Fundraising / business development / income generation
• Communications and marketing
• Policy and public affairs

You’ll also bring:

• Strong strategic thinking and independent judgement
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• A genuine passion for the BDA’s mission
• A willingness to lead in line with our values

What you’ll gain

 Becoming a BDA Trustee offers you the chance to:

• Make a real difference to the lives of people with dyslexia
• Develop your leadership and governance experience
• Connect with like‑minded professionals
• Experience genuine personal fulfilment by supporting a meaningful cause

This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Time commitment

Around 8–12 days per year, including:

• Quarterly Board meetings (mix of in‑person and online)
• Committee meetings
• Occasional away days, events and training
• Providing expert input on an as‑needed basis

We understand the need for flexibility and welcome applications from people with a range of commitments.

For more details, view the full role description.

Treasurer @ International Charity Advancing Access to Justice and Equality

Accounting for International Development

Hammersmith, Greater London (On-site)

Full-time

Permanent

Actively Interviewing

Apply Now

Job description

Our partner is a UK registered charity with an international footprint, working to advance access to justice and promote equality by supporting vulnerable communities, strengthening civil society, and advocating for inclusive policies.

The Treasurer will join the Board of Trustees and provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial management and long term sustainability. Working closely with the Chair, Chief Executive, senior leadership team and external auditors, the Treasurer will oversee budgets, financial reporting and risk management, and ensure compliance with charity and company law. The Treasurer will also chair the Finance Committee and contribute actively to the wider strategic direction of the organisation.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified finance professional with strong experience in financial management, audit or governance, and the confidence to operate at board level. You will be able to explain financial information clearly to non financial trustees, exercise sound judgement, and bring a collaborative and pragmatic approach. Experience of working with charities, civil society organisations, or internationally focused organisations would be particularly valuable.

This is a rewarding trustee role with an estimated time commitment of around 20 hours per year. The role is voluntary, with reasonable travel expenses covered, and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an organisation working for social justice and systemic change.

Please note that this is a volunteer role and there is therefore no remuneration.

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For more Trustee and Treasurer roles, please visit the AfID website.

About ReachOut

ReachOut is a national youth development charity and a strategic partner for schools. Through collective mentoring and engaging activities, we build socio-emotional skills that transform outcomes for young people constrained by circumstance.

Role of a Trustee

Our Board of trustees have shared responsibility for the overall governance, financial health and strategic direction of the charity, developing its organisational aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

In addition to the statutory duties, each Trustee uses their specific skills, knowledge and experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions and support the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team in delivering the charity’s mission.

As a Trustee of ReachOut, you will have the opportunity to help govern an ambitious organisation, knowing that your time will contribute to helping young people, who may not have the same advantages as others, develop the social and emotional skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

Who are we looking for?

We are interested in individuals with any of the below expertise:

• Senior Leaders or Head Teachers from Schools or Multi Academy Trusts
• Research, Monitoring & Evaluation
• Senior Leadership within a Corporate Environment
• Lived Experience aligned to the challenges faced by the young people we are here for

Person Specification

• Enthusiasm for ReachOut’s vision and mission.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship in the UK charity sector.
• Able to demonstrate strategic vision and think creatively.
• Willing to speak their mind and exercise independent judgement, whilst operating with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work with others in a way that supports positive board dynamics.
• Ability to represent the organisation credibly externally.
•  Availability and commitment to perform the role and dedicate the time required to fulfil the role.

Important Information

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
• ReachOut board meetings are held in-person in London, online if necessary.
• The overall time commitment for a Trustee is expected to be around 30 hours per annum. There are four full board meetings a year that last approx. 2 hours, outside regular office hours. Meetings are held on weekday evenings.

How to Apply

• Please visit our website for more information and how to apply
• Deadline: 9am 16th March 2026

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

ReachOut is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation. We actively welcome applications from people of all ethnicities, ages, religious beliefs, gender identities, sexual orientations, and any other protected characteristics, to provide a diverse range of experiences, ideas, and insights into our work.We understand the importance of having trustees and committee members that reflect the backgrounds and experiences of the communities we serve. More than half of the young people we work with are from Black Caribbean, Black African, Bangladeshi, and Turkish backgrounds, so if you are from these ethnic groups, we would particularly appreciate receiving your applications.

We are seeking new trustees to strengthen our Board and help shape the future of our work. We are also seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

We are looking for dedicated, creative people, of all ages, with a range of professional and life experience to join the Age UK Stockport Board of Trustees.

Being a trustee or Chair of any charity, including ours, is to be an active volunteer in your community. Like any volunteer involved in our work, our aim is for you to enjoy what you do with us, know how you contribute towards our work and see the positive impact that you have on people’s lives. 

But it’s not the easiest volunteering role! It can be challenging, but rewarding, and a big responsibility. Trustees have collective legal responsibilities – you work together for the best interests of Age UK Stockport and for the people in later life we work with across the borough. We will tell you more about these responsibilities elsewhere in the pack. 

If you’re passionate about supporting everyone to make the most of their later life, and you have the skills and experience to help shape and guide our organisation to achieve our vision, we’d like to hear from you.

Trees for Cities

Salary: Voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Location: London with flexibility

Closing Date: 11 March 2026

Trees for Cities is an independent national charity that empowers people to plant and care for trees in towns and cities, targeting places where they have the greatest impact for people and nature. Through trees, we connect people to nature, enrich lives and create leafy, liveable places for today and future generations. In a world facing unprecedented threats from climate change, biodiversity loss and disconnection from nature, our work has never been more urgent.

Since 1993, Trees for Cities has engaged 260,000 people to plant and care for almost 2 million trees across 100 urban areas in the UK and overseas. We are proud to operate at the intersection of social and environmental justice, focusing on communities with the least access to green space and the benefits it brings. To deepen this work, we have developed a new five-year strategy (2025–2030) with the goal of creating a Movement for Urban Trees and Tree Equity. As we enter this ambitious new strategic phase, the new Chair will play a leading role in overseeing its successful embedding and impact.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the Board of a dynamic, growing charity at a pivotal moment. Our Trustees are recruited for their diverse skills and perspectives, and we are proud of our strong governance practices and healthy Board culture. Together, we provide constructive challenge and meaningful support to the executive team, guided by the organisational values that sit at the heart of how we work. We are seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair, continuing this work, offering strategic leadership and robust governance to ensure Trees for Cities continues to thrive and grow in impact.

You will bring Board-level experience, including as a Chair, Vice Chair and/or Trustee/Non-Executive Director, and a proven ability to chair Board or committee meetings effectively. With strategic vision and the confidence to navigate complexity, you will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, build consensus and manage diverse perspectives. You will bring a supportive and empowering approach, with a coaching style of leadership that empowers and enables others to thrive. Experience in the environmental, sustainability or urban greening sectors is desirable but not essential; what matters most is your ability to lead with integrity, inspire others and drive impact.

We want our Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black, Asian or other minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and those with lived experience of environmental or social injustice. If you are motivated to help shape our next chapter and bring the leadership and experience to guide our ambition, we encourage you to apply.

To read more about our work, the role and how to apply, please download the full appointment brief below.

People Beyond Profit on-line conversations: 17 March - 15 April 2026

CEO online ‘fireside’ conversations: 17 – 24 March 2026

Trees for Cities Interview Dates: 

• First stage in-person trustee panel: 27 April 2026

• Final stage coffee with CEO and current Chair on one of the following: 28, 29 April, 5, 6 May 2026.

Do you want to co-ordinate vegan volunteering?

As an Organiser, you would be the caretaker of your local area. This is the more time-intensive role but so rewarding! Tasks would be emailed to you directly every month by our Volunteering Coordinator, who would be your main point of contact here at The Vegan Society. It would then be your job to send out the task to Advocates in your local area and get feedback from them. You'll also be able to ask your Advocates for help with any stalls and lobbying. Every Organiser receives an outreach pack, including a table runner, leaflets and banners. We make sure you are fully supported with an Organisers' WhatsApp group for socialising and ideas. We also have a monthly gathering on video.

What does the Organiser role involve? 

Every month, you will be sent a collection of tasks to choose from. We create these from our programme of campaigns. You would be the point of contact for Advocates in your area, sharing these tasks and coordinating activities, such as stalls and lobbying councillors. We will provide you with a campaign toolkit and be in regular contact with you to ensure you have everything you need. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group and WhatsApp chat.

We would expect you to provide any updates from your group and give feedback on each task. It's vital that we measure the impact that we are having, in terms of positive conversations and leaflets handed out. You can also give us ideas you have for future outreach tasks or campaigning. Many Organisers find a huge sense of satisfaction, improvement in self-esteem and enjoy the social side of volunteering in this role.

You will also be responsible for welcoming new Advocates in your area. We will let you know when somebody new applies, and you will help them to get involved with any activities. As the main contact for Advocates, this role does require some awareness of safeguarding and data protection procedures and policy. There will be full training on your role in this, as well as a handbook and ongoing guidance and support. 

What training and support is available? 

There will be a full induction to the role, with a gradual introduction of new tasks and responsibilities. To start with, we will provide an initial training session to cover the basics of community organising, communication skills and event planning. This will be done remotely from wherever you are. Along with this, we will provide a full pack of resources that covers a range of work that we do. 

From there, there will be regular conversations and reviews, where we can discuss other training requirements. Staff are always available to Organisers for any questions, via phone or email. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Great organisational skills
• Experience of coordinating people
• Experience of working to specific dates and deadlines
• Good time keeping
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to motivate people around the topic of veganism
• Ability to stick to branding
• Ability to read emails in a timely manner and translate tasks into actions quickly
• Ability to report back on activities
• Excellent knowledge of vegan issues

How much time do I need to invest?

You should be able to commit around two days a month to carry out actions, and this is usually spread out across the month. We also expect timely responses to emails. When a new Advocate applies to work with you, we would like them to be contacted within seven days via email.

Our Second Home (OSH) is the UK’s youth movement of people with refugee backgrounds. We have welcomed over 600 young people from 50 countries to our activities in London, Essex and Bristol.

Mission

For young people with refugee experience to build community, become leaders and flourish into adulthood in the place they call home. Through transformative activities, our members take control of their lives and create meaningful change for themselves and their wider community.

About This Role

OSH is at a pivotal point in its development.

Over the past few years, OSH has grown from a small, founder-led organisation into a national movement with increasing reach, complexity, and ambition. Our income has risen from £250,000 to £500,000, our staff and volunteer base is expanding, and our programmes are reaching more young people than ever before.

OSH now needs confident, experienced, and future-focused governance that can support scaling while protecting the culture, values, and relational way of working that make the organisation distinctive.

Your role will involve 4 main areas:

1. Board Leadership and Governance
2. Strategy and Organisational Leadership
3. CEO Support, Appraisal, and Accountability
4. External Representation and Engagement

More information is in the recruitment pack attached.

About You

Essential

• Significant experience in organisational and strategic leadership, ideally including guiding a charity or mission-driven organisation from small to medium scale
• A proactive and forward-thinking mindset, demonstrating the ability to anticipate potential issues and risks while identifying opportunities.
• Strong understanding of good governance, with the confidence to lead a board and hold senior executives to account
• Experience of or exposure to fundraising, financial sustainability, and organisational development
• The ability to balance support and challenge, particularly in a Chair - CEO relationship
• Commitment to OSH’s mission and values, including a genuine willingness to engage with and be guided by those with lived experience of the asylum system
• Highly organised and dynamic, with the ability to prioritise the effective use of Board time, facilitate the timely and focused distribution of information, and ensure appropriate follow-up to Board decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the emotional intelligence to lead inclusively, collaboratively, and sensitively

Desirable

• Lived experience of asylum or forced migration
• Previous experience as a Chair or Vice-Chair of a charity or similar organisation
• Experience working with youth-led or lived-experience-led organisations
• Familiarity with safeguarding in youth or community settings

Green Allotments charity is seeking an appropriately qualified Archaeologist to provide occasional advice.

Our innovative work programme focusses on the purchase of land and the creation of allotments. Hence, we are keen to learn more about how to identify potential heritage issues which could affect the creation of allotments on the top layer of soil. Learning more about how allotments can be sensitively placed within historical environments will help our charity bring allotments to more people.

We are keen to work with you if you can interpret information held in open-data online records such as Historic Environment Records. Your valuable insights will help our charity decide if a tract of land is worth buying for allotments, or should be avoided entirely. 

We are a small and friendly charity team, with three trustees, one staff member, and a team of volunteers. The charity is funded by a generous single donor. Everyone brings something special to Green Allotments, if you think your archaeological experience and knowledge could help our charity to grow please get in touch for an informal discussion.

Your specialist contribution will help our charity make important decisions on land purchase and locations for new allotment sites in communities. Demand for allotment is very high, people are desperate for a plot of their own, to grow food and teach their children about where food comes from. Your support will help put more locally produced food on tables.

Who we are looking for:

• Appropriately qualified Archaeologist to undertake desk-based analysis (e.g. degree-level and/or 3 years+ in archaeological practice).
• Able to undertake desk-based research using Historic Environment Records and/or LiDAR.
• Able to communicate findings in plain language to non-archaeologists.

Our charity is currently creating allotment sites in England only. We can accept volunteers located in any part of the UK, as long as the volunteer appreciates they will be focussing on England-only sites.

Our CEO, Deborah, has been working with home-based geographically dispersed volunteers for 20+ years and is happy to fit around your time commitments.

Application process:

Please apply via our website. When you make contact with us, we will consider your application. If interested in learning more about you, we will invite you to an informal discussion via zoom at a time/date to suit you. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email within one week.

We are currently looking to recruit an external trustee to join our Board of Trustees and also act as chair to the Finance and Audit Sub-Committee. We will also require the trustee to support our whistleblowing policy, acting as the nominated trustee contact for whistleblowing concerns.  You’ll champion openness and ensure the organisation has safe, fair, and effective processes for raising and handling concerns.

Your SU is overseen by our Board of Trustees, and our trading subsidiary (CUSU Services Ltd) is overseen by our Commercial Services Board . They are both made up of a collection of our elected Officers, students, university staff and external professionals that ensure the Charity and the Trading Subsidiary remain sustainable in terms of finance, legality and reputational status.

You will be expected to attend Board meetings 4 times per year – these will be a mix of in person and Teams meetings. You will also be expected to support at least one sub-committee of the Trustee Board (3-4 times per year) as well as complete training and induction. You will need some time to allow for prereading of reports and other documentation before meetings. 

Trustee meetings are typically held on a Friday afternoon 1pm-4pm. Most of the meetings are online, although you would be offered travel expenses for any face-to-face meetings (and hybrid meetings are usually offered if you do need to join remotely.) There is also a strategy day once a year as well as the occasional social activity!

For this trustee role, we are looking for an experienced professional ideally with third-sector governance experience. In addition to being a member of the Board of Trustees the trustee will be required to chair the Finance and Audit subcommittee and should possess a strong finance background with analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information.

We are especially keen to encourage applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, including but not limited to those from the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and those from a Global Majority background. We hope that by enhancing our diversity we can extend our organisational creativity and problem solving through the different perspectives and life experiences which diversity brings.

Please note that this is an unpaid voluntary role.

For further information there is a full recruitment pack and role profile available to download or visit our website for more information.

The Chair of Trustees will:

• Provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees and enable the Board to fulfil its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation.

• Ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations.

• Work in partnership with the Director to support employees and volunteers, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation; and to optimise the relationship between the Board of Trustees and the staff.

• Facilitate the Board of Trustees in stimulating excellent, well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making.

Main Responsibilities of the Chair

The Chair of Trustees will be expected to:

In relation to the Board of Trustees

• Formulate strategic plans and regular review of long-term strategic aims of the charity.

• Develop organisational policies, define goals, targets and evaluate performance against agreed targets.

• Approve the annual cycle of the board meetings, meeting agendas, chair and facilitate meetings, monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are implemented.

• Liaise regularly with the Treasurer to maintain a clear grasp of the charity’s financial position and to ensure full and timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the Board.

• Lead and mentor other Board members to fulfil their responsibilities and enable access to training/coaching/information to enhance the overall contribution of the board.

• Annually review the Board structure, role, staff relationships and ensure implementation of agreed changes/developments are carried out.

• Encourage team working among Board members and encourage them to identify and recruit new trustees as required.

• Create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with trustees and the Director through review and self-reflective evaluation of contributions and effectiveness of the board.

In relation to the Director 

• Assume guardianship of the legal and financial integrity of the organisation.

• Consult with the Director on matters of strategy, governance, finance and HR.

• Oversee the Director’s activities in the context of the implementation of the Board’s strategy and policies.

• Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the organisation.

• Receive regular informal progress reports of the organisation’s work and financial performance through the Director.

In relation to the community and code of conduct

• Represent the organisation as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions.

• Lead the Board in fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders/donors.

• Act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.

• Facilitate change and address conflict within the Board of Trustees, within the organisation and liaise with the Director to achieve this.

• Undertake review of external complaints as defined by the organisation’s complaints procedure.

• Ensure adherence and compliance around key policies to e.g. Hiring Policy,Health & Safety and in all decisions and discussions of the Board and its sub-committees.

• Attend and be a member of other committees or working groups when appropriate in role as Chair.

• In order to perform the above role, the Chair should have reasonable access to all staff and information, in line with the board’s fiduciary duties.

In relation to Child Protection

• Uphold the charity’s Child Protection Policy, and ensure its rigid application to all of the Board’s duties and endeavours. 

• Place child safety at the forefront of all deliberations, and adopt a diligent awareness of any area in which child safety might be at risk.

• Report any and all potential violations of the charity’s Child Protection Policy to the Board of Trustees immediately. 

Qualities of a Chair

The Chair of Trustees is expected to demonstrate the following qualities:

Essential

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

• Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.

• Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.

• Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.

• Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

Desirable 

• Prior experience of committee/trustee work.

• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation - disability care and poverty alleviation.

• A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.

• Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.

• Leadership skills exercised through a period change.

Time Commitment

• The Board meets at least 4 times a year and the Chair is expected to be available 4 times in a year.

• In addition to Board Meetings, other contact – usually electronic or by telephone – will be necessary.

Lead Women's Aid Luton as Chair of Trustees. Provide strategic leadership to a specialist charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. Guide our next chapter at a pivotal time, shaping our future and strengthening our impact in the community.

What will you be doing?

The role of the Chair is to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, enabling the board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity's mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.

As Chair, you will help guide the organisation's strategic direction, support the Chief Executive and Board, and ensure Women's Aid in Luton remains resilient, sustainable, and true to its values. You will play a key role in shaping the charity's future and championing its work within the local community.

The Chair will work in partnership with the Board of Management, supporting them to achieve their vision for the organisation. This includes chairing meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process, and ensuring Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity.

You will establish and build a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring she is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives while supporting her and respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles.

The Chair will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive, representing the charity at external functions, meetings and events. You will help facilitate change and address any potential conflict with external stakeholders.

Demand for our services continues to grow, while the wider context for charities and particularly those supporting vulnerable women and children, remains challenging. Strong, thoughtful governance is therefore more important than ever. The Board plays a vital role in providing strategic leadership, supporting the staff and volunteers, and ensuring that Women's Aid Luton remains sustainable, resilient, and true to its mission.

What are we looking for?

EXPERIENCE

• An understanding and passion for the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
• An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders
• Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues
• Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
• Experience of chairing meetings.
• Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
• Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
• Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
• Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
• Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
• Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
• Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
• An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity

ATTRIBUTES

• Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
• A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Vbility to commit time to conduct the role well

What difference will you make?

Becoming Chair of Women's Aid Luton is an opportunity to provide leadership that makes a meaningful difference to the lives of women and children affected by domestic abuse. This is a pivotal role within a mission-driven charity, at a time when strong, compassionate governance is more important than ever.

As Chair, you would help guide the organisation through both present challenges and future opportunities, shaping our direction and strengthening our impact for years to come. You will play a key role in shaping the charity's future and championing its work within the local community.

Women's Aid Luton works to support women and children affected by domestic abuse, helping them to find safety, rebuild their lives, and move forward with dignity and confidence. Our services are rooted in compassion, empowerment, and a deep understanding of the complex barriers faced by survivors of abuse. We work closely with our local community and partners to ensure that those who need us most are not left to face these challenges alone.

Our approach is holistic, recognising that safety, healing, and empowerment are all interconnected. We don't just respond to crisis, we work with the whole person, understanding their emotional, practical, social, and long-term needs. Our work is person-centred, meaning that each individual's voice, choices, and goals guide the support we provide.

The impact of domestic abuse can be devastating and long-lasting, affecting not only individuals but families and communities as a whole. Demand for our services continues to grow, while the wider context for charities and particularly those supporting vulnerable women and children, remains challenging.

The Board plays a vital role in providing strategic leadership, supporting the staff and volunteers, and ensuring that Women's Aid Luton remains sustainable, resilient, and true to its mission. If you are inspired by the opportunity to support survivors, strengthen an essential local service, and help create lasting change, we would love to hear from you.

“Joining Women’s Aid Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid Luton."

Before you apply

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Please apply through Reach in the first instance.

Lead Volunteer Role Description

• To update the Volunteers’ Rota from the Court diary and ensure that each Volunteer in the team and the CCSS office has a copy. Wherever possible, the Rota should be kept on a computer for updating and emailed to the rest of the team and the office. 

• Ensure sufficient numbers of Volunteers are on duty for effective and appropriate support for bereaved families and witnesses who attend the Inquests.

• To arrange and re-arrange the Rota between the Volunteers, noting any holiday or leave of absence dates.

• Ensure a finalised Rota is sent to the office at the end of each month in order for volunteer expenses to be checked and processed.

• To ensure that all the Volunteers have each other’s contact details and the Volunteer emergency contact details are included in the court file and updated when changes occur.

• To ensure monthly and yearly statistics are kept up to date and to send the Monthly Statistics to the Volunteer who collates the stats at the end of each month.

• To ensure there are sufficient Report Forms for the Volunteers’ use if collecting stats in paper format.  If alternative methods of collecting stats are used, to ensure that the team are all using the same method.

• To inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office of the need for more Volunteers or of any leavers.

• To assist with the recruitment interviews and induction of new Volunteers.

• Responsible for the support of new Volunteers and their final sign off.  Where the Lead Volunteer has concerns about the level of support required or the competency of a new Volunteer, they should refer those concerns to the Operations & Training Manager.

• To organise Volunteer team meetings (minimum of 3 meetings per year) and to inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office via email of the dates of these so they can attend if necessary/appropriate.

• To immediately refer any serious concerns raised by the Coroner or Coroner’s Officers to the CEO.

• To inform the CEO immediately of any issues or concerns that arises at the Court that might impact on the CCSS.

• To provide local information for the Helpline Court Information Sheet when requested.

• To ensure the team follow the practices of the court and work in partnership with the court staff.
• To forward any testimonials about the support provided by our volunteers to the CCSS office.

• Responsibility for maintaining the stock of CCSS leaflets.

• Organise cover for themselves when they are on holiday or need to take time off.

Location: Exeter (hybrid options available)
Hours: Flexible
Term: Three-year periods
Type: Voluntary

Help shape the future of specialist education for young people with vision impairment and complex needs.
At InFocus, we believe everyone deserves to live life to the full, with choice, control, and meaningful opportunities. We support young people who face significant barriers due to vision impairment combined with additional disabilities, helping each individual follow their own pathway towards independence and fulfilment.

We’re now looking for a Volunteer Trustee with strong experience in special education to help guide and strengthen our specialist FE College.

What the role involves

In addition to the standard responsibilities of a trustee, you will:

• Focus on the delivery and development of post-16 education for learners with vision impairment and complex needs

• Scrutinise the quality of teaching and learning

• Provide constructive challenge and professional insight as part of our Education Advisory Committee

• Work closely with our College Principal to champion high-quality, person-centred education

This opportunity would suit someone with experience as:

• A senior leader within a SEND provision

• A headteacher or principal

• A SEND improvement partner

• An Ofsted inspector

Our Board meets seven times a year, with optional invitations to events and celebrations. Trustees are encouraged to attend in person, though online attendance is possible where needed. Travel expenses are covered, and overnight accommodation can be arranged for trustees living outside Devon.

Short on time? Advisory Member roles available

If you’d like to share your expertise without taking on full trustee responsibilities, consider joining us as an Advisory Member. Advisory Members sit on committees and offer specialist knowledge without the full governance role.